2022 Rivian R1S: A Budget-Friendly Mercedes G Wagon EQG

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a radical new electric G Wagon. The EQG is an instant classic. This SUV retains the rugged look of the original G Wagon while adding quad-motor electric performance and retro-futuristic LED lighting. But the electric G Wagon is likely years from production and will almost certainly cost more than the $120,000 ICE G-Class. In the meantime, the 2022 Rivian R1S electric SUV has comparable performance, build-quality, and is already becoming an icon. Best of all, the new Rivian SUV starts at just $70,000.

The Rivian R1S features quad-motor drive

2022 Rivian R1S | Rivian

RELATED: The Quad-Motor Rivian Truck Will Leave $100K EVs Far Behind

Like the legendary G Wagon, Rivian engineers its vehicles for maximum capability. Several electric 4x4s will likely begin production in 2022. But the 800+ horsepower Rivian is the only one to feature quad-motor drive. That is to say, each one of the Rivian’s four wheels has its own designated electric motor. With maximum torque at each wheel, Rivian claims the R1S will be able to reach 60 mph in three seconds.

Another benefit of quad-motor drive is torque-vectoring. This fancy phrase just means adjusting each wheel’s torque instantly. On-the-fly torque adjustments are priceless while off-roading with limited traction or while on-road and cornering aggressively.

Motor Trend took the electric Rivian for a test drive and called the quad-motor drive a “superpower.” The reviewers pushed their Rivian to the limit. They steered into a corner, then gunned the accelerator. Instead of skidding, they felt the outside rear wheel speed up to push them through the corner. Motor Trend said it was a sensation few cars can replicate, and no full-size truck can come near. They concluded the Rivian would, “Change everything.”

The 2022 Rivian R1S interior is luxurious

2022 Rivian R1S Interior | Rivian

RELATED: Electric G Wagon Specs: The Mercedes EQG Concept Explained

The Rivian company hired Sophia Park as color and material designer for the R1S interior. Park has a Master’s in color and materials design. But before earning her Master’s, she studied art therapy. Park says, “A car is a second home. We spend a lot of time in it, often alone, so the environment should feel restorative.”

Park reveals that her quest for creating a restorative environment steered her to the dramatic, wooden dashboard. “Real wood has soothing properties so you won’t find the fake stuff inside our vehicles.”

Rivian’s mission for sustainability drove the manufacturer to assemble completely vegan leather interiors for the R1S. Rivian R1S SUV buyers can choose between three interior colors: 

Materials used in the Rivian R1S interior | Rivian
  • Black Mountain features dark ash wood and black leather seats with patterned stitching. The black interior pops with yellow accents–the color of the Rivian logo–throughout the cabin.  
  • Ocean Coast is Rivian’s sea-inspired white leather interior. This theme leverages natural wood for an eye-catching look.
  • Forest Edge is one of the most unique Rivian interiors available. This interior features richly stained wood and green leather.

The 2022 Rivian R1S is passionate

This is a publicity photo of the pre-production 2022 Rivian R1S electric SUV, an electric G Wagon at half the price.
2022 Rivian R1S | Rivian

The Rivian company has declared its mission to “keep the world adventurous forever.” The people who drive Rivian are driven by protecting the environment and exploring the outdoors. The electric 4×4 is their passion project. This SUV is a passion for its many preorder customers as well; many already gather at Rivian events.

Not only is the Rivian stylish, but it also signals a discerning consumer. This is likely the reason the number of Rivian devotees grows daily.

Current Rivian converts include solo free climber Alex Honnold, billionaire Jeff Bezos, and Rihanna. Jeff Bezos is so so taken with Rivian: he has ordered his own and invested in the company.

The Rivian R1S may someday be as iconic as the G-Class. If so, it will be the defining adventure vehicle of the 21st century. In the meantime, the 2022 Rivian R1S is shaping up to be as capable, as luxurious, and as cool as the electric G Wagon–at a fraction of the price.

RELATED: Watch Rivian R1T Electric Truck Review: ‘This Changes Everything’

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Tesla Finally Eyeing India as Model 3 and Model Y Testing Spotted

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although Tesla has made a major dent in the auto industry in the United States, the EV maker and CEO Elon Musk have yet to make big-time moves in India. Musk had discussed taking Tesla to India before — for two years, in fact — but he had not yet taken significant steps to do so.

Whenever he discusses the subject, Musk cites high importing taxes as the main reason for the delay. However, Teslas were spotted in India recently, leading some observers to believe the EVs could become more widely available in the country soon. 

Elon Musk’s comments on working with India

A Model Y outside the Tesla Gigafactory near Berlin, Germany| Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images

Madan Gowri, a YouTuber in India, tweeted at Musk this past July asking him to launch Tesla in India. Musk replied with a series of tweets explaining why he hasn’t done so yet.

“We want to do so, but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!” Musk stated. “Moreover, clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India.”

Musk followed up with another tweet: “But we are hopeful that there will be at least temporary tariff relief for electric vehicles. That would be much appreciated.”

Musk raised the issue on Twitter in 2019 by saying, “I’m told import duties are extremely high (up to 100%), even for electric cars. This would make our cars unaffordable.”

Currently, India’s 100% import duty applies to vehicles valued at more than $40,000, including freight, insurance, and base cost. Imported vehicles that cost less than $40,000 have an import duty of 60% instead. 

Despite this, Tesla models have been spotted in India

In January, Tesla filed the paperwork to register its Indian subsidiary in Bengaluru, the technology hub of the country. According to Quartz India, this branch of the company is officially incorporated as Tesla India Motors and Energy. It has also been reported that Tesla is looking to hire executives in India, another excellent sign for Indian citizens who want to get their hands on a Tesla EV. 

Even more tangible evidence of Tesla’s transition toward India is that test models of Tesla Model 3s and Model Ys have been spotted driving around India over the past several weeks, Money Control reports. At first, it wasn’t clear which models were on Indian roads, as the test models were camouflaged while being tested to gain homologation certification.

Homologation certification is a process required by the Indian government that ensures vehicles adhere to the country’s safety and functionality standards before selling to citizens. So far, Tesla Indian Motors and Energy has received approvals for all four of its vehicles, including the Model S and Model X. Does this mean there is an official launch date for Tesla in India?

How long will it be until Tesla launches in India?

Although Tesla has not announced an official launch date in India, there is speculation that Indian citizens could begin purchasing Tesla Model 3 EVs as soon as this December. Business Standard reports that the Model 3’s expected price upon launch is Rs 60 lakh — roughly $82,000. 

So far, there are no reports about when the Model Y will launch in India, and the launch dates of the Model S and Model X are likely even farther away. Indian residents have expressed interest in Musk’s EV maker for years, and this might be the year their Tesla-themed dreams finally come true. 

RELATED: Elon Musk Says Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Feature Is ‘Actually Not Great’

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Best Ford F-150 Mods and Upgrades in 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Thanks to the comfortability of the large interior cabin, the convenience of the 6-ft truck bed, and excellent performance, the Ford F-150 is one of the most popular vehicles in America. The truck hasn’t sold fewer than 500,000 units since 2009 according to GoodCarBadCar. In fact, over the last 40 years, the F-series as a whole has sold more units than any other vehicle in America. That means there are far too many mods and upgrades to choose from, so how do you decide? The best Ford F-150 mods and upgrades are the ones with the most practicality, convenience, and sometimes fun.

One of the reasons the F-150 is so popular is that its utility is enough to suit anyone’s needs, while not being overly large or uncomfortable, like a work truck. The F-150 is a daily driver and can haul when you need it to. Another reason is the customization. People love customizing their trucks with lift kits, gigantic wheels, massive roof lights, and various bed transformations. The F-150 is highly customizable and being so popular, obviously has tons of mods and upgrades available from both Ford and aftermarket companies.

1. Upgrade to a tonneau cover

Tyger Auto T3 Tonneau Cover | Tyger Auto

One of the most popular upgrades to any truck, a tonneau cover allows you to keep things dry and safe inside the bed without sacrificing the look of the truck. Bed caps can be an eyesore for some, or inconvenient for others, but the tonneau cover allows the same coverage with less room. Being able to move and re-cover the bed whenever necessary is a highly regarded feature. Options for the tonneau cover are the following:

  • Tyger Auto T3, which gives weathertight sealing and is dual-coated for the best overall performance. 
  • Gator ETX requires no drill for installation and is a softcover with full bed access. 
  • BAK MX4 BAKFlip has a water-resistant rubber seal and is a hardcover for extra strength and durability.
  • TruXedo TruXport Soft is a rollup cover with velcro strips, that fits all F-150 models from 2015 to 2021.

2. Upgrade your bed with these accessories

An undercover swingcase bed storage container inside the bed of an F-150
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage | UnderCover

While you’re covering up the bed of your truck with the tonneau cover, you might want something in there to hold whatever you’re storing. Big or small, there are options that fit anyone’s needs.

  • Undercover SwingCase is highly recommended online. If you search for a great storage container for the bed of an F-150, this is what you’ll find. The SwingCase stows against the side of the bed and swings out for your convenience whenever you need to open it. It also comes with a lock, so if valuable tools or other items are being stored inside, you need not worry about them.
  • Topline Fold Down Truck Bed Extenders have a telescoping design to fit any tailgate. With stainless steel hardware, mount it directly to the tailgate and fold it flat down on it when not in use so it completely disappears. It even comes fully assembled so you only need to mount it.
  • Load Handler CargoCatch is another option for bed storage. With 4 separate storage compartments, store anything in these mesh bags on a telescopic rail system. This is perfect for someone who takes a trip to the store only to find bags and items scattered all over the truck bed.

3. Mods to make driving more fun

A grey F-150 SuperCrew with a 6-inch lift parked outside
2021 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with a 6-inch lift | AutoVlog via YouTube

All the convenience and storage in the world are necessary and great, but this is where the real fun begins. Making modifications to a truck’s suspension, height, or other facets makes driving more interesting. Especially if you’re someone who likes to take your F-150 offroad.

  • Lift Kits are good for giving more ground clearance, or just making your truck look bigger than it actually is. Regardless of your reason for buying one, there are tons of options available and the right fit is really up to you. Some highly recommended brands are BDS Suspension, Rough Country, and ReadyLift.
  • Suspension Kits sort of go hand-in-hand with the lift kits. If you’re going to lift your truck and take it offroad, chances are you’re in for a bumpy ride. Air suspension kits will make it so your F-150 can handle anything with ease, and with adjustable firmness, it doesn’t matter how you’re using the truck. Tighten up to tow heavy items and loosen to drive smoothly to work. A standard shock kit is adjustable and adds shock absorption. Get a smoother ride and handle offroad terrain easier. Recommended brands are Bilstein, Rancho, and Moog.
  • Performance Exhaust Systems are what you’re looking for if the F-150 you bought isn’t loud enough for you. With such quality materials and upgrades to a new truck, you might not be able to hear it very well. Magnaflow is a recommended brand and will give your truck a growl like you didn’t know it could produce. Other brand options include Borla, Gibson, and Roush.

4. Interior upgrades

brown custom Carharrt seat covers in a Ford F-150
Carharrt Custom Seat Covers | Carharrt

All this driving and storage convenience talk, but where are the cool accessories for the inside of my F-150? There are plenty and much more than we could ever fit into a single list. From seat covers and floor liners to center console organizers and armrest cushions, there’s something available for everybody.

  • Husky Liners Weatherbeater Floor Mats. Designed to perfectly fit the Ford F-150, these mats have raised edges so dirt never gets onto your carpet, and its durable material will withstand whatever weather conditions you drag in the door with you. 
  • KMMOTORS Console Armrest Cushion does exactly what it sounds like. If you use the center console storage as an armrest most of the time, and never really put it up out of the way as so many do, make it more comfortable. A simple cushion turns the hard surface into a nice cozy place to rest your elbow while driving. 
  • Carharrt offers custom-fit seat covers for any truck. The exact fit will ensure it looks great on the seat and feels comfortable too. As you’d expect from a brand like Carharrt, they’re made of a heavy-duty material that’s extremely water-resistant and will protect the seats of your F-150 from just about anything.

There are thousands of available upgrades and mods across the internet for the F-150 and just about every other full-size truck on the market. If something specific you’re looking for didn’t appear on this list, make sure to check accessories.ford.com for recommendations on both Genuine Ford Accessories as well as aftermarket options. These are just some of the best Ford F-150 mods and upgrades for 2021.

RELATED: Do You Need An Expensive Off-Road Suspension for Your Truck or SUV?

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You Really Shouldn’t Pee in Your DEF Tank

by Gabrielle DeSantis

DEF, or Diesel Exhaust Fluid, is a necessary part of a new diesel powertrain. In 2010, a selective catalytic reduction system was mandated in all new diesel models. DEF is part of that system. Diesel exhaust is sent through a filter, and then DEF is used to break down the remaining exhaust particulates into mostly water. DEF is made from combining water and urea. Urea is an organic compound found in urine, which spawned some illogical and frankly harmful rumors that DEF contains urine. 

Does DEF contain urine?

The DEF diesel tank area of a vehicle | Stefan Puchner/picture alliance via Getty Images

DEF is made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water. It’s a harmless fluid, and urea is an organic compound. It’s also known as carbamide.  The urea that DEF contains is synthetically made. 

Because urea is also present in urine, there is a misconception that DEF contains urine and that urine and DEF are interchangeable. Some rumors say that cow or bat urine is used to make DEF. This is, to be blunt, absolutely not true. DEF, as stated before, contains only urea and deionized water. Urine, whether human or animal, contains far more than just water and urea. The urea concentration in urine is far less than in DEF, and the amount of water is far more. The presence of other compounds in urine complicates matters, too. 

According to SC Lubricants, human urine contains the following: 

  • Urea: 9.3 grams/L 
  • Chloride: 1.87 grams/L
  • Sodium: 1.17 grams/L
  • Potassium: 0.750 grams/L
  • Creatinine: 0.670 grams/L

In addition, urine contains trace amounts of other compounds and ions. Urine is also 95% water; DEF is 67.5%, and that water is deionized. Additionally, as stated previously, DEF uses synthetic urea, while urea found in urine is not synthetic.

In short, DEF does not contain urine, and it is not made from urine. 

Should you pee in your DEF tank?

DEF and urine are not the same things, despite having some similarities. Because of these similarities, some people have said that you can pee in your DEF tank. Saving money is great, but you should only be using DEF in your tank. DEF and urine are not interchangeable, and if you do decide to pee in your DEF tank, you could be facing some hefty repair bills. 

Because of the other compounds found in urine, peeing in a DEF tank could ruin the filters and the whole SCR system if used too often. The systems also won’t be able to do their job of neutralizing carbon emissions from the diesel exhaust. 

Using urine rather than approved DEF can cause damage to the entire system, and that’s an expensive fix. According to Freedom-CNG, the cost of replacing the filter alone can be anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000. It’s recommended that the filter be changed every 200,000 miles, but if you pee in your DEF tank, you’ll be replacing it far sooner. 

What does DEF do?

When used properly in diesel vehicles newer than a 2010 model year, Diesel exhaust fluid helps to minimize carbon emissions. 

The selective catalytic reduction system uses DEF to help neutralize carbons. Diesel exhaust goes through a filter, which catches any larger particulates. The remaining exhaust is then mixed with DEF. From there, the deionized water and the urea in the DEF cause chemical reactions that reduce the remaining particulates to mostly water. The Environmental Protection Agency mandates the system, and all diesel models built after 2010 must include an SCR system that uses DEF. 

It may sound complicated, but it’s really not. The SCR system increases gas mileage by an average of 4% over the diesel’s lifetime, and you only need to add DEF as often as you get your oil changed. 

RELATED: Is Buying a Diesel Truck Worth It?

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